Looking at TIG welders...

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I'm looking to expand my welding opportunities, and I'm looking at TIG welders.The market here for used ones is next to nill (Lincoln, NE area) from what I've seen on craigslist... so I'm looking new. What would you recommend in the ~ $2000 or less range?I'm looking at the Diversion 180 and the Lincoln 175 Squarewave.I'm used to the bigger machines I've used at college so not exactly sure what's the best value in the market.I think that the Lincoln is the better value because it can do stick whereas the Diversion cannot, or so it would appear.However (another edit...) the Lincoln needs a larger circuit and isn't an inverter... I don't remember what our 220 circuit in the shop is.We have a buzz box now for Stick, however I'd sure like a newer stick machine.Last edited by TSCGG13; 07-08-2013 at 05:34 PM.
Reply:Put your location in your profile. That way others can help you. I know you mentioned it in the body of your message, but in your profile will make it easier to know your area on any message you post. I have the SW175 and it's a nice machine with no frills. Everything is pretty much set for you. Certainly good enough to learn TIG with and it comes with everything you need except the gas bottle.Lincoln Idealarc 250 (circa 1962)Lincoln Weldpak 155 w/Mig KitLincoln Squarewave TIG 175
Reply:Thermal Arc 186 !!!
Reply:Originally Posted by papaharley03Put your location in your profile. That way others can help you. I know you mentioned it in the body of your message, but in your profile will make it easier to know your area on any message you post. I have the SW175 and it's a nice machine with no frills. Everything is pretty much set for you. Certainly good enough to learn TIG with and it comes with everything you need except the gas bottle.
Reply:Originally Posted by rahtreelimbsThermal Arc 186 !!!
Reply:Meh both of those are good machines but very over priced.Torchmate 2x2 CNC with Flashcut CNC controlsHypertherm Powermax45 Esab ET220i Razorweld 195 MigRazorweld 200ac/dc TigTormach 770, Tormach xstechRazorweld, Vipercut/Vipermig, SSC Foot Pedal Dealer
Reply:Originally Posted by GambleMeh both of those are good machines but very over priced.
Reply:Originally Posted by papaharley03Put your location in your profile. That way others can help you. I know you mentioned it in the body of your message, but in your profile will make it easier to know your area on any message you post. I have the SW175 and it's a nice machine with no frills. Everything is pretty much set for you. Certainly good enough to learn TIG with and it comes with everything you need except the gas bottle.
Reply:I understand that used isn't an option locally, but taking a ride, even if a long one, would get you alot more machine for your money.  Even buying used online and freight shipping may save you alot.  The duty cycle on the Diversion and lack of stick throws me off.  I'm not a red guy, so I don't know any nuances about them.You could pickup a early 90's Syncro 250 or a Miller 330 A/BP from $500-1500 and ship it.   The machines will outlive you.  You'll need 80-100 amp input though.  Dialarcs are another option.  I personally love TA machines, but the 186 is a bit new for me.TA Arcmaster 300CM3XMT 304S22P12 suitcase feederX-Treme 12VSOptima pulserTA161SMaxstar 150STLHypertherm PM45OP setupStihl 020AVP, 039, 066 Magnum
Reply:Originally Posted by Drf255I understand that used isn't an option locally, but taking a ride, even if a long one, would get you alot more machine for your money.  Even buying used online and freight shipping may save you alot.  The duty cycle on the Diversion and lack of stick throws me off.  I'm not a red guy, so I don't know any nuances about them.You could pickup a early 90's Syncro 250 or a Miller 330 A/BP from $500-1500 and ship it.   The machines will outlive you.  You'll need 80-100 amp input though.  Dialarcs are another option.  I personally love TA machines, but the 186 is a bit new for me.
Reply:Originally Posted by Drf255The duty cycle on the Diversion and lack of stick throws me off.  I'm not a red guy, so I don't know any nuances about them.
Reply:Originally Posted by TSCGG13Thanks for the insight.I found two Precision TIG 225's... about $1500 each with a cart... however they're 4 hours away. We only have a 60 amp input and I'm not too crazy about adding a new line in this older shop of ours. How much would that cost?
Reply:Originally Posted by TSCGG13To be quite frank, I'd rather have a Miller or Lincoln. Miller's I can get serviced locally.
Reply:What about a MILLER 200 syncro ?  It's a good stick machine too. The Diversion is tig only. The 110 / 220 volt feature maybe nice on the Diversion.   I have a Miller 180 SD and got it cheap,  $ 800.00 for everything. Deals are out there but it depends on how much of a hurry you are in. Gotta go with CASH !
Reply:We put together a water-cooled Synch 250 system for about $1,400.  The base power unit was $850, used Coolmate 3 about $300, new foot pedal $150.  Other things nickel and dime you."USMCPOP" First-born son: KIA  Iraq 1/26/05Syncrowave 250 w/ Coolmate 3Dialarc 250, Idealarc 250SP-175 +Firepower TIG 160S (gave the TA 161 STL to the son)Lincwelder AC180C (1952)Victor & Smith O/A torchesMiller spot welder
Reply:Originally Posted by shovelonHow much experience do you have with tigging? If none buy a Diversion inverter.
Reply:Originally Posted by BD1What about a MILLER 200 syncro ?  It's a good stick machine too. The Diversion is tig only. The 110 / 220 volt feature maybe nice on the Diversion.   I have a Miller 180 SD and got it cheap,  $ 800.00 for everything. Deals are out there but it depends on how much of a hurry you are in. Gotta go with CASH !
Reply:Originally Posted by TSCGG13Quite a bit. I'm done with all my schooling on it and have done quite a bit of aluminum on the side for projects and such.I'll look more into the T/A's to see if Matheson services them, but I think they do.The problem with the Miller is I don't want to have to do a ton of crap just to make it be able to run stick. IMO a machine like that should come with the proper hookups from the factory for stick just like the Lincoln does.
Reply:Originally Posted by weldermikeWell then there you have it, you already know all the answers so why bother asking!
Reply:While I see that you are worried about Thermal Arc and service........consider this!!!with the new 186 out Thermal arc is discontinuing the 185. These can be had new for around 2 grand.Ask anyone here and you will find thatb the 185 is a helluva machine on par with anything out there!!!
Reply:I just bought the diversion 180 a month back.  The decision for me was based on what suited my needs best.  I liked the MVP plug on the dynasty since I only have 110 in my garage.  If I want 220, I can just switch out the plug in two seconds.  Also, it's very portable at 50 lbs.  And, it's about as dumbed down and turn key as you can get.  But, some people don't like this because it doesn't have all the bells and whistles for doing aluminum.  For my needs as a hobbyist, it fits perfect.  Good luck on your choice.  Hope this helps.
Reply:''Problem being it's just so large... An inverter or that smaller Lincoln would be perfect.''If you build a cart for the inverter it will be about the same size as a 200 syncro.How much tig work are you gonna be doing ?If you want a real tig machine, then get one with a foot pedal. If not, get a stick inverter and set it up for tig.
Reply:Originally Posted by BD1''Problem being it's just so large... An inverter or that smaller Lincoln would be perfect.''If you build a cart for the inverter it will be about the same size as a 200 syncro.How much tig work are you gonna be doing ?If you want a real tig machine, then get one with a foot pedal. If not, get a stick inverter and set it up for tig.
Reply:I have the early version of the Lincoln SW175 . Nice welder, but have you looked at the online owners manual for it ? It recommends at least a 100 / 125 amp breaker or slow blow fuse for maxed out use. I've never tried mine on a 50 or 60 amp breaker, I think I'm using a 90 or 100. It's a great welding machine that I highly recommend... if you have the "Juice" to run it ?
Reply:.I was faced with this decision recently.  I considered the Thermal Arc 186 at first.  I liked the featuresof the machine and am sure it had the "stuff" I needed and the price is very good for the features.My only concern was reliability and where I would be if something went south, both during the warranty period or after.  (I also hoped that the pedal issue was passed, or that it could be easily fixed) So I called Thermal Arc to ask them if they had anyone in my area (San Antonio, Texas) that couldservice the machine or handle warranty work.   She have me a couple of places on her "list".  I thanked her and then hung up.  I then called both of the places she gave me and they not only said that theydid not sell Thermal Arc but that they don't service them.   Not a good start.  I called her back and she said that they for sure had someone in Houston that could take care of me.  Since I would be in a long distance relationship for service with Thermal Arc I decided to add HTP and the Invertig 221 to my calculus.  I called USA-Weld and talked over this same issue with them.  I was immediately impressed with their contact person (Diana).  She expressed confidently that their service techs can handle most situations with the owner over the phone.  That the 221 is very reliable.  That they have only had to bring back a 221 a couple of times to solve a problem .  And if they did they would cover shipping both ways during the warranty period if they had to bring it in. I decided to pony up the $ difference between the TA 186 and the Invertig 221.  Since the 221 isa more feature rich and powerful machine, I would be getting something for these dollars.  Perhapsnot really needed, but there never the less.   I also have much more confidence that HTP will handle any situation that may come along for me.  I will be dealing with them direct and not going througha dealership that they may have little control over. Anyway.  I have a 221 sitting in my garage now and am quite happy about that..I bought a Precision TIG 225 brand new for a little over $2000 with shipping included. I have been extremely happy with it, never had a single issue other than physically wearing out the torch and lead. Its got the microstart and I like it, but I haven't used anything else but a Synchrowave 350. I liked the start on that, it was smoother and quieter, but I couldn't get used to the arc. I'd already been using my machine for a few years at that point. Also mine came on the cart with a storage drawer which I find handy.Lincoln PowerMIG 215XTLincoln Precision TIG 225Hypertherm 300
Reply:TSCGG13,I have a SW175 running on a 60 A breaker and have never had a problem.  But I don't remember ever running it wide open.  If you want to try it out some afternoon you more than welcome.  I'm in Plainville 1 mi, south of the Outlet Mall off I495.  If your interested PM me and we can work out a time that works for both of us.Bob C.P.S.        Were you at Zaps clinic this past April?
Reply:Forgot to mention, I have mine on a 60 amp breaker. Owners manual said it pulls 54 at full tilt, I've never once popped it, even doing over 200 amps on aluminum.Lincoln PowerMIG 215XTLincoln Precision TIG 225Hypertherm 300